Month: October 2011
Come On Die Young
Springing from the heat of Phoenix, Ariz., Come On Die Young is a band seemingly on the verge of shaking up what most people know as “punk rock.” With members who have been playing music of all types for more than half of their lives, and a guitarist whose roots lie in Salt Lake City, the band combines elements of traditional punk rock, powerviolence, metal and late-‘90s beard rock. … read more
Anchor Ink’s Fifth Anniversary
Anchor Ink is celebrating its fifth anniversary this October. Five years surviving on a street lined with about a million competitors is no small feat. But for the shop that claims to employ “the most regular people in the tattoo industry,” their success comes from their ability to create all kinds and styles of tattoos. … read more
The Country Side of Life
He may not look like he belongs on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, but after years of pioneering the psychobilly genre here in America, Tiger Army front man Nick 13 has taken some time to diverge from the world of fast-paced, hard-charging rock n’ roll to refocus his talents on country music. Elegant in its delivery and colorful in its tones, the self-titled debut sounds like it was created by a talented veteran of country music. … read more
More Heart than Talent: NeverNever Refuses to Say… Well, You...
“Some really gnarly things happened to this band,” says drummer Gavin Hoffman, gently twirling his sticks. “Things I wouldn’t wish on anybody.” It’s dim here at NeverNever’s practice space, and I’m hoping my eyes will adjust. For a band that’s endured as much upheaval, tragedy and general misfortune, it’s a wonder that they’re back at all … let alone on speaking terms, in the same room together. … read more
Exile on J Street: Author Scott Carrier releases Prisoner of...
Fans of National Public Radio will probably know the voice of Scott Carrier. He is a feature writer on various NPR programs, but his greatest radio accomplishment is the Peabody Award he received in 2006. A Utah native, Carrier planned for decades to escape the Beehive State, but he has at last come to terms with this land. “I feel claustrophobic away from the mountains,” he says. “I gave up trying to leave.” … read more
Immolation
Immolation has been at their craft since 1988, brutalizing death metal fans and pushing not only the American extreme metal scene into new territory, but the world scene as well. They’re a band often emulated and praised, but the relative obscurity of their music has lent them to be described by their fans and critics as underrated. Immolation is headlining a show in Salt Lake City, Oct. 20 at the Complex—It’s the first time they have been in town since the mid-’90s.
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Bubblegum Thunderstorm: Spell Talk Crackles and Booms
I barely beat the rain as I roll into an open garage where drummer Sammy Harper of Spell Talk shoots a game of pool on a worn down table. Bassist Jared Phelps shuffles about while guitarist Andrew Milne lounges on a couch next to new member and rhythm guitarist Elle Rasmussen, who quietly smokes a cigarette. The quartet is like a calm set of siblings on another stormy day, but they keep a loud secret in their pockets: a physically engaging album that will have you ready to stomp your feet and holler along with the band’s newborn thunder. … read more
From the Ground Up: the Birth of Grassroots Powdersurfing
Grassroots Powdersurfing is a company that produces bindingless snow tools. Not quite a snowboard, skateboard or surfboard, these products offer consumers an alternative that has a feel of it all. Similiar to a NoBoard or early Snurfer, these boards are used to surf the snow, but what makes these boards different is the lack of ropes or handles to help the board steer. … read more
Weekend Warriors
By the time you read this article, school will be back in full swing. Just like all the grown-ups, all the teenagers and college students will be confined to weekend skateboard missions. Being a weekend warrior sounds like a severe loss of freedom, at least when you think about it during the relaxing summer months. However, fall often brings some of the best skateboarding. The best way to enjoy your free time is to have less of it. … read more
The Blue Plate Special
If you have never heard of The Blue Plate Diner, you need to quickly look around at those people you call “friends” and reassess your relationships. The diner has been winning awards for “Best Breakfast” for almost a decade, been featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to the accolades for their breakfast offerings, The Blue Plate should not be overlooked as a lunch or dinner option. … read more
Princess Kennedy: Human Garbage
This month SLUG is celebrating John Waters and his works and accomplishments. I would like to fill you in on why we, as an LGBT community, celebrate him. Quite frankly, it’s because he is the filthiest human in the world. Let me rephrase––he is the most outwardly expressive and unapologetic piece of human garbage. To the untrained reader, it might seem that I am bashing Waters, but trust me, in some circles of filth, this is a huge compliment. … read more
Mike Brown: My White Truck
I had the same white truck for 14 years. A few weeks ago I sold my truck to a guy named Dick Weed. I’m not sure how that’s gonna look on the bill of sale, but he was excited to buy it and I was excited to sell it. As Dick Weed and his girlfriend were driving away, a little piece of my heart cracked and I felt like I was selling my dog or my child into slavery. … read more